Music Workshops - Information Article

Workshops

This article includes the following: A short introduction to workshops Heather has recently run, a list of recent workshops, review quotes from participants, and lists of "initial details" and "logistics" for planning future workshops.


Recent years have found me taking workshops in Paris and around Australia for groups of school children, young adults, string teachers, community groups and professionals wanting to build improvising and song-structure/writing skills. I am motivated to help others venture into learning improvising and harmony by the challenges I faced ten years ago "crossing-over" from classical training, my professional performing career, and a passion for violin technique development research.

There are so many skills involved in learning to play violin well (or any of the string family!), but as players and teachers we should be aware of the deep, self-motivated learning that can be inspired through improvising, songwriting, and delving into music that inspires students. A student's growing comprehension and ability to play music they love, helps foster their engagement in music as a whole, forming independence of ideas, comprehension of historical development and inspiration toward artistic goals of true musicians. String playing, like any artistic pursuit requiring self-motivated hard work, needs ownership of learning, and in my teaching and research I've found that learning improvising and harmony within their repertoire enables students to build their own world of music and keen motivation to continue learning.

*Heather Stewart's workshops are tailored to a group's skill and playing abilities. If you are interested in having a workshop for your school, community group, music camp or festival please contact info@heatherstewart.com.au

Heather currently lives in Paris France, but travels extensively.

Recent Workshops

• "Tra Laa La" music/theatre week long camps with Little Tykes Theatre
• Candlebark School vocal choir workshop series - harmony, improvising and songwriting
• Castlemaine combined schools - workshop day and concert - Frances Gall
• Turramurra Folk Camp - blues fiddle
• AUSTA National Conference Melbourne 2012 - presentations and workshops
• Shelford Girls Grammar
• WA beginner, intermediate and advanced/teacher training workshops
• ACT Austa beginner/intermediate/advanced/teacher intro to improvising
• AUSTA National Conference Perth 2009 research presentation & workshop

Quotes from Workshops

"Heather's approach to teaching Jazz improvisation techniques on the violin and other stringed instruments is made easy and fun for classically trained string teachers and their students alike.  By learning these Jazz styles, it's a great way to explore your instrument and make it swing!!"  Vivianne Anthrak - Violin Teacher, Canberra

"I had a great time. She got all 40 of us playing Cajun rhythm and melody almost immediately. Her way of teaching gives you a new way in to contemporary music, and makes you want to keep going. I’d love to go again."  Gillie

"Thank you for your fantastic workshops at the 2009 Austa National Conference. Your generous contribution of time and expertise was instrumental to the success of the event and is greatly appreciated."  Andrew Patrick - 2009 National President and Conference Convener, Australian Strings Association Ltd (AUSTA)

Workshops - initial details for organisers to think about

Workshop type  Which instruments & playing levels

Content  Tailoring the musical focus: abilities, length/series of sessions. What can this workshop contribute to your program? + Add or build on what you currently do?

Performance  Workshops can but do not have to finish with a performance. It can provide a rewarding end and communication of the session to other students/parents.
Repeat  Repeat/revisit sessions can be really helpful for development of skills, ideas and repertoire, for example: two consecutive days, weekly, or a repeat over the course of a year.

Logistics - once you've contacted me, we can organise these details together

Date & Time
Venue

Length of workshop(s) & number of participants

Accommodation & Travel costs

Fee (without GST)

Basic equipment required: acoustic room, chairs, water + participants with instruments/voices
Non essential extras: piano, sound system and screen with computer connection.

Contact Heather